Hailing frequencies are open in Seattle! Emerald City Comicon announces first celebrity guest of 2014!

Time to plan the “trek” to the largest comic book and pop culture convention in the Northwest!

Seattle, WA – Legendary actress Nichelle Nichols (“Lt. Uhura” from the classic Star Trek) is the first celebrity guest announced (as well as the fifth and final original cast member to attend over the last five years) for the upcoming 12th annual Emerald City Comicon taking place on March 28th – 30th, 2014 at the Washington State Convention Center. She will be appearing all three days!

Nichelle Nichols is truly one of the most trailblazing figures in television, with her regular role in Star Trek being one of only a small handful for black actresses that were featured prominently each week in people’s homes. So much so that civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. himself pleaded with her not to leave the sci-fi series because she was serving as a crucial role model not only for women but for African-American’s everywhere.

Known quite literally around the galaxy, Nichols’ portrayal of “Lt. Uhura” on Star Trek spanned three seasons during the original series, a subsequent animated series and six feature films. Her professional career began with the 1959 film Porgy and Bess starring Sidney Poitier and Pearl Bailey, followed by appearances on the television series Tarzan and Gene Roddenberry’s The Lieutenant. Post-Star Trek work include roles in Snow Dogs, Are We There Yet? and episodes of Heroes and Futurama.

Nichols is also an accomplished singer, having released two albums of standards. She published her autobiography, ‘Beyond Uhura’, in 1994. Ever since the cancellation of Star Trek, she has been an advocate for NASA and began working directly with them to recruit both women and minorities into the space agency. Since the mid-80s, Nichols has also served on the Board of Governors of the National Space Society.

Nichols is the first of roughly two dozen celebrity guests to be announced for this spectacular weekend, in addition to hundreds of popular comic guests, exhibitors and several exciting new offerings and surprises.

Coming off of a sold out 2013 show, tickets for Emerald City Comicon 2014 will be in high demand when they go on sale September 1st, 2014!

With a record turnout of 64,000 patrons in 2013, Emerald City Comicon consistently ranks as one of the Top 10 most attended conventions of its kind in North America as well as increasingly becoming the favorite show among many fans, comic guests, journalists and celebrities.

Established in 2003, Emerald City Comicon, while renowned worldwide for its growing popularity, continues to remain the Northwest’s premier comic book and pop culture convention founded in the belief that investing in local artists, companies and individuals is a lasting recipe for success and longevity.

Look for regular press releases containing all of the latest news leading up to the show in March 2014. For more information, please visit ECCC’s website at www.emeraldcitycomicon.com

On March 1-3, 2013, the Washington State Convention Center was home to the 10th annual Emerald City Comic Con! While I’ve attended the show 2 years prior, the show had undergone a massive change, particularly opening up a whole new hallway, adding to the depth of the show, as well as the serious amount of star power in their guests both in media as well as the comic world.

In terms of size alone, ECCC now seems to belong in the upper echelon of top comic conventions, trailing only SDCC, NYCC, and being on par with heavy hitter shows such as C2E2, and WonderCon. Jim Demonakos has put together a consistently solid show, and judging from the positive comments from the artists and writers that I spoke to at the show, ECCC will continue to be a great presence in the comic con circuit.

Heading into the show, I seriously underestimated the intense love of comics the fans up in the northwest have, experiencing long lines from show exclusives such as Sex # 1 and the Walking Dead Governor Special, to artist commission lines for Bruce Timm, Adi Granov, Skottie Young, Charlie Adlard, and Humberto Ramos. Going upstairs to the celebrity room, I was able to witness extremely long lines for stars such as Patrick Stewart, Christopher Lloyd, and Gillian Anderson. Overall, this show was the perfect mix of celebrities and comics one would expect from a comic convention. While SDCC is focused more on the entertainment side of it all, the love of comics was still heavily prevalent at this show, which made me happy to see so many fans line up to meet their favorite creators. I can’t wait to see this show continue to grow and foster the next generation of comic fans!

And now, onto the pictures:

Welcome to ECCC!

Volunteers directing the flow of traffic.

The line anxious to get in inside the show.

Brian Posehn signing for Deadpool fans!

Mark Brooks drawing a beautiful Wonder Woman!

Mark Brooks Wonder Woman!

Mark Brooks brings his original art, including his Deadpool Gangnam Style!

Speaking of Gangnam Style, here’s some horseheads!

A beautiful Castle print done by Jason Palmer!

Adi Granov drawing an amazing Iron Man at his table!

Adi Granov Iron Man!

Chris Claremont talking to fans about his time with the X-Men!

Fiona Staples sketching for Hero Initiative!

Skottie Young drawing for fans at the show!

Scott Snyder signing for eager Batman fans!

Dan Didio hanging around the DC booth!

The line to buy a copy of the Governor’s Special at the start of the show!

Nothing funnier than telling people you were lining up to buy Sex in the morning.

Charlie Adlard sketching for fans!

Old school Nintendo games for sale!

Arcades out for people to play with! Nostalgia to the extreme!

Fans standing in line for Felicia Day and other celebrities!

An awesome lego display for fans to see up close and personal!

ECCC gets thumbs up!

COSPLAYERS! Cosplay was everywhere at the show, and here’s some of the best ones I saw.

The lovely Jessica Nigri!

ECCC Heroes!

Constantine flanked by 2 lovely ladies!

2 Avengers with 2 Lokis.

More Avengers!

What did you say about my mom???

Gambit and Rogue!

He-Man looking bored with Skeletor.

Superman and Lex Luthor!

Boba Fett and alien warrior!

Go go Power Rangers!

Cyclops and Jean Grey!

Black Mask vs. Batman!

The girls of Gotham being interviewed at the show!

Darth Vader showing aliens who’s boss.

Cable with baby Hope!

Spideys shooting webs!

Doctor Who?

Darth Maul on stilts playing the bagpipes. I couldn’t even make that up if I tried.

LIZZIE LEIGH TALKS COSPLAY AND HER FIRST TIME AT THE DALLAS SCI-FI EXPO 2013Comic Book Divas may not have had a table at the Dallas Sci-Fi Expo 2013 but we had a great time meeting not only some of the great artists and guests but also many of the great and talented cosplayers that were walking around the convention and taking photos with fans from around Texas.

A STAPLE Diet For Small Press Comics – Bleeding Cool Comic Book, Movies and TV News and RumorsYou may know Chad Hindahl from his regular Kicking With Cactus strip on Bleeding Cool on Sundays. This weekend he had other business, at the Staple small press comics convention in Texas. He writes; STAPLE! Independent Media Expo celebrated its 9th year drawing new, and veteran indie comics creators together under a beautiful blue Austin, Texas sky.

Pics from #ECCC: @RoydenLepp, creator of RUST, hanging out at the @Archaia booth –> http://pic.twitter.com/bOI7wRSwL3Archaia

For the Win – Team Unicornstagefivetv

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The Cosplay Of ECCC – From Muppet Stormtroopers To Unlocking Jessica Nigri – Bleeding Cool Comic Book, Movies and TV News and RumorsThanks to Gavin Lees and friends for seing these in. The cosplay of ECCC. Can you see yourself there?

Bride of Frankenstein #ECCC http://pic.twitter.com/weSIVIkOOgskottie young

Megaman #ECCC http://pic.twitter.com/L9HcQ7lOg6skottie young

Leather face #ECCC http://pic.twitter.com/b84kwxg8q8skottie young

Just spent three days running the Archie McPhee booth at Emerald City Comic Con. I made this Gif because this is exactly the dream I had for the entire eight hours I slept last night. archiemcphee: "…zoomar.tumblr.com

On the scene: Emerald City Comicon ’13For years people have been telling me to go to this show. "It’s a comic’s comic-con." I just want to say right of the bat, if you didn’t get in to San Diego Comic-Con or you have been going for years and didn’t beat the refresh button, then save up for ECCC next year.

Cincinnati Library Comic Con Series (Loveland Magazine)The Library brings you their first "Cincinnati Library Comic Con Series". Join them for two months of programming leading up to the main …

MARCH 2, Seattle, WA–Today at Emerald City Comicon, Dark Horse Comics announced a new ongoing canonical entry in the Mass Effect series!

Mass Effect 2 and 3 lead writer Mac Walters kicks off a new ongoing series, set in the vibrant, engaging world of BioWare’s blockbuster science fiction epic! Fans of the award-winning franchise will find new characters tied directly to the newly announced Mass Effect 3: Citadel single-player DLC.

Praise for Mass Effect:

“This comic is recommended whether you are a Mass Effect groupie or someone who has never heard of it before today and just likes sci-fi. It’s a strong, good, enjoyable read!”—BAMFAS.com

“On the writing front, the dialogue is straight out of what one would expect from a Mass Effect related tie in. This positively reflects Dark Horse’s choice to use the lead writer of the series as the lead writer of the comics.”—DualShockers.com

Mass Effect 3: Citadel will release worldwide on March 5 on Xbox 360, PC, and PS3, and on March 6 on PS3 in Europe. Price: $14.99, 1,200 Microsoft Points, or 1,200 BioWare Points.

Mass Effect: Foundation #1 is on sale July 24 in comic shops and on Dark Horse Digital.

About Dark Horse

Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent such as Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Brian Wood, Gerard Way, Felicia Day, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends such as Will Eisner, Neal Adams, and Jim Steranko, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, including The Mask, Ghost,Timecop, and SpyBoy. Its successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Mass Effect, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Emily the Strange, Tim Burton’s Tragic Toys for Girls and Boys, Serenity, and Domo. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading publishers of both creator-owned content and licensed comics material.

Scene on the Web Weekly: February 25 – March 3, 2013

Real Hawken Mech At Comic Con – Emerald City | Capsule Computers – Gaming & Entertainment News, Reviews, Interviews & CompetitionsPosted by Benjamin Webb on Mar 1, 2013 March 1st to 3rd at the Emerald City Comic Con, Meteor and Adhesive Games will be in attendance at booth 3005 where they will be accompanied by a life-sized HAWKEN mecha for players and visitors to take photos of and with.

VERY COOL: Brian Stelfreeze is Drawing a New Comic Book for BOOM! Studios [Exclusive Art] – ComicsAlliance | Comic book culture, news, humor, commentary, and reviewsBOOM! Studios will be making a formal announcement with all the details at this weekend’s Emerald City Comicon in Seattle, but knowing that the ComicsAlliance crowd are fans of the best art ever the publisher shared with us this image from a brand new comic book project by Brian Stelfreeze.

Optimus Prime speaks… courtesy of Neil Kaplan: Anime and ComicCon brings writers, actors, cosplay to Oak Grove March 2-3You might just find something you love at the Clarksville/Fort Campbell Anime and Comic Convention, March 2-3 at Valor Hall in Oak Grove. Into comics? Costumes? Gaming? Anime? Want to hear Optimus Prime say your name? Voice actor Neil Kaplan, who was featured in California last month at San Francisco’s Anime, Video Game, and Cartoon Convention, will host a talk 2-3 p.m.

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Dresden Codak " Archive " I’ll be at Emerald City Comicon in Seattle this weekend, March 1-3!

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Worlds of Fiction Meet Reality at Dallas Comic ConSci-fi-themed event in Irving brought out the best creatures Sometimes the realms of reality aren’t enough for certain people. Sometimes they need to venture into the universe of fiction and live out the fantasies of their favorite characters and actors. This is what is known as Cosplay.

Comic Con in Photos – Salem-News.ComFeb-26-2013 14:10 The folks from Oregon Comic Con say the event brought it all. The event was held at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon. (PORTLAND, OR) – Tens of thousands of comic fans converged on the Oregon Convention Center at Portland Comic Con to celebrate the best in pop culture.

I’m signing at the @ImageComics booth at noon on Saturday at @emeraldcitycon, next to some guy named Joe Casey. Never heard of him.Jay Faerber

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Free Comic Book Day – Creators!FreeComic BookDay

Female Super Hero Fan FilmJesse V. Johnson

Rose City dresses up for Comic Con adventureSuperheroes have always intrigued Stephanie Medeiros, even as a young girl. Standing amidst the cacophony and color of the opening moments of Saturday’s Wizard World Comic Con at the Oregon Convention Center, Medeiros said she felt a little like the Wonder Woman costume she was wearing.

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The Big Social Picture: The Oscar protest that you didn’t know happenedIf you watched the Academy Awards tonight, you may have noticed an awkward music cut-off during the Life of Pi Visual Effects acceptance speech. It may have looked like they were just stopping a long running speech, but in truth the speaker was about to mention a hot button topic of the evening, and many people think it was cut short intentionally to hide the truth.

Comic-Con hotel scramble begins TuesdayMore than 50 hotels are participating in the discounted room block for this year’s Comic-Con – K.C. Alfred The annual scramble for Comic-Con hotel rooms will begin Tuesday morning when those lucky enough to have already nabbed a badge will try to secure lodging as well.

Comic-Con comes to Fargo | The Jamestown Sun | Jamestown, North DakotaComics Fan Dressed in a Batman mask, shirt and cape, Morgan Axness, 8, of Fargo, looks through a collection of comic books for sale at the third annual Fargo-Moorhead Comic-Con Saturday at the Doublewood Inn in Fargo. (Dave Wallis/Forum News Service) FARGO – It was a motley crew of characters inside the Doublewood Inn here on Saturday, to say the least.

Vader Unicycle at Wizard’s World Comic Con PortlandErik Wecks

Comic Con Portland Style | GeekDad | Wired.comIt wouldn’t have been Comic Con in Portland, Oregon without that guy. Yes, there is only one of him, so far. Although I seriously think he needs to recruit and get a unicycle bagpipe band together for the Rose Festival Starlight Parade. Am I right, PDX?

PRCC by the NumbersPRComicCon

Thousands assemble for the first PDX Wizard World Comic Con"Play Video PORTLAND, Ore. — It wasn’t just the Avengers that assembled today but all geeks attending the first annual Portland Wizard World Comic Book Convention at the Oregon Convention Center. Several thousand people came out – many sporting costumes – to buy pop culture memorabilia and meet celebrity icons in the world of sci-fi fantasy.

Wizard World Portland Comic Con ReviewOregon Convention Center Aaron Albert Introduction This is the first year for the Wizard World Portland Comic Con (WWPDX). I would have thought that this kind of event would have come sooner as Portland is actually quite a big town in the comic book industry.

Archaia launches its 2013 convention season at the largest comics and pop cultureconvention in the Pacific Northwest, highlighted by the debut of HAWKEN: GENESIS,signing sessions, and special giveaways!

Seattle, WA (February 28, 2013) – Award-winning publisher Archaia Entertainment is excited to announce it will be exhibiting at Emerald City Comicon (ECCC), taking place March 1-3, 2013 at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, Washington!

Special advance copies of the HAWKEN: GENESIS anthology graphic novel hardcover, which is based on the hit online, free-to-play mech game from Meteor Entertainment, will debut at ECCC and be available for sale. Writers Khang Le and Jeremy Barlow will be on hand to sign copies at the Archaia booth (#808) and at the Meteor booth in the Gaming Area.

In addition, a promotion through FourSquare will give fans the chance to win a prize pack comprised of autographed copies of Mouse Guard Vol. 1: Fall 1152, Rust Vol. 1: Visitor in the Field, and HAWKEN: GENESIS. Just be sure to check in at the Archaia booth through the FourSquare app on your iOS or Android phone once you’re at the show and you’re automatically entered!

For programming, Archaia will put on an exciting, entertaining panel at the show:

Archaia Presents: How I Broke in to Comics (and How You Can, Too!)Friday, March 1, 4-5pm, Room 3AB
Ever wonder how some of your favorite creators broke in to comics, or were curious how some up-and-comers get to be “up-and-comers”? Join some of Archaia’s creators for a lively discussion of how they got their first break in comics, and to hear their advice on how you can, too! Panelists include Chandra Free (The God Machine, Fraggle Rock), Andrew E.C. Gaska (Space: 1999: Aftershock and Awe, Conspiracy of the Planet of the Apes), Royden Lepp (Rust), David Marquez (Syndrome, The Joyners in 3D), Yehudi Mercado (Pantalones, TX), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), and Charles Soule (Strange Attractors).

About Archaia Entertainment, LLC

Archaia is a multi-award-winning graphic novel publisher with more than 75 renowned publishing brands, including such domestic and international hits as Mouse Guard, Return of the Dapper Men, Rust, Gunnerkrigg Court, Old City Blues, Awakening, The Killer, Syndrome, Artesia; and an entire line of The Jim Henson Company graphic novels, such as Tale of Sand, The Dark Crystal, The Storyteller, and Fraggle Rock. Archaia has built an unparalleled reputation for producing meaningful content that perpetually transforms minds, building one of the industry’s most visually stunning and eclectic slates of graphic novels. In 2012, Archaia was honored with six Harvey Award nominations, two Harvey Awards, six Eisner nominations, and three Eisner Awards (Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand won for Best Graphic Album–New, Best Penciller/Inker, and Best Publication Design). Also in 2012, Archaia earned both Gold and Silver awards from ForeWord Reviews. In 2011, Archaia was honored with nine Eisner Awards nominations and two Eisner Awards for Best Graphic Album and Best Anthology. Archaia was named Graphic Novel Publisher of the Year by Ain’t It Cool News, Comic Related, and Graphic Policy, which honored the publisher two years in a row. In addition to print and digital publications, Archaia has successfully emerged as a prolific storyteller in all facets of the entertainment industry, extending their popular brands into film, television, gaming, and branded digital media. For more information, visit the Archaia website atwww.archaia.com.

Unfortunately, Carrie Fisher has canceled her scheduled appearance at ECCC.

Apparently, she had a medical incident last week, on the 22nd. Here’s is the statement we received from her management this morning:

“Ms. Fisher had a medical incident and she’s doing much better, but doctors don’t want her working for about a month.”

If Carrie Fisher was the ONLY reason you were coming to ECCC (seriously?! :), we’re making an exception to our 30-day refund policy and you may request a refund for the next 24 hours through Eventbrite (through 12:30pm on Wednesday the 27th) and those tickets will then go back out to the general public for purchase.

Her panel for Saturday at 6pm is now being replaced with a Walking Dead panel featuring both Michael “Merle” Rooker and Danai “Michonne” Gurira.

Los Angeles, CA (February 25, 2013) Hero Initiative, the non-profit organization that aids comic creators in medical and financial need is heading to Emerald City Comic Con March 1st through 3rd in Seattle, Wash. at the Washington State Convention Center.

All through the weekend, participating artists throughout the floor will be donating a dollar for their signature. As win-win all the way around! You can donate just a dollar and help Hero Initiative continue it’s important work for the industry.

Check out the list of participating artists:

Eric Canete

Mike Choi

Francesco Francavilla

Chris Gage

Paul Jenkins

Dave Johnson

Denny O’Neil

Dan Panosian

Brian Pulido

Darick Robertson

Tim Sale

Matteo Scalera

Fiona Staples

Richard Starkings

Mark Waid

Bill Willingham

Make sure you seek them out and stop on by the booth, #2308 and see what else we have.

About The Hero Initiative

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book artists and craftsmen in need. Hero Initiative creates a financial safety net for yesterday’s creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.

Since its inception, The Hero Initiative has had the good fortune to grant over $500,000 to the comics veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today. For more information, visit www.heroinitiative.org or call 626-676-6354.

Emerald City Comic-Con 2013 is upon us once again and Oni Press all sorts of attractions and goodies to delight any comics reader. What kind of goodies, you ask? How does an ECCC 2013 exclusive variant cover of Helheim #1 by the talented Chuck BB sound? Maybe, the Scott Pilgrim V2 Collector’s Edition is more your style. That will be there too! Also, don’t miss your chance to purchase the recently released all-ages titles Mermin, Glitter Kiss and Sketch Monsters V2.

We will be located at BOOTH #902!

That’s not all! Stop by panel room 3AB, SATURDAY AT 6pm, for the RevolutiONIze Comics Panel. Join Oni Press Editor in Chief James Lucas Jones as he presents a whirlwind of talented creators, sneak previews, and the announcement of a new floppy series! This interactive panel will have some of the hottest names in comics right before your eyes, discussing their books and answering audience questions. Creators in attendance: Cullen Bunn (The Sixth Gun, Helheim), Brian Hurtt (The Sixth Gun, The Damned), Joëlle Jones (Helheim, You Have Killed Me) and Charles Soule (Strongman, Strange Attractors). All panel attendees will receive high fives and comics!

Below you will find our creators in attendance along with their signing times:

Image Comicsis set to make a strong showing at Emerald City Comiconin Seattle, with exclusive convention editions, a full slate of signings by Image creators, and panels featuring some of comics’ top writers and artists! The convention takes place on March 1-3 in the Washington State Convention Center.

Five Image Comics convention exclusives will be available to purchase at the Image Comics booth (#1110):FIVE GHOSTS #1 by Frank Barbiere and Chris Mooneyham

THE WALKING DEAD: THE GOVERNOR SPECIAL by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard (available at the Skybound booth, just opposite of the Image booth)

UNCANNY SKULLKICKERS #1 by Jim Zub and Edwin Huang

All convention exclusives are available in limited quantity at the beginning of each convention day, during creator signings, and at creators’ Artist Alley tables (check Emerald City Comic Con’s website for names and locations).

The Image Comics signing schedule will be released soon, so keep an on Image’s website. *UPDATED* SEE BELOW

There will be three Image Comics panels in Emerald City Comicon’s programming, each promising to be a lively discussion.

Skybound: On the Rise
There’s no limit on what to expect from Skybound, Robert Kirkman’s imprint at Image Comics. The Walking Dead continues to dominate comics and television, Invincible just hit its historic 100th issue, and new series are on the horizon. Join Charlie Adlard, Ryan Ottley and more as they discuss what’s in Skybound’s future.
Panelists: Ryan Ottley, Charlie Adlard, Phil Hester, Josh Williamson SATURDAY 1 PM Hall B

Tickets for each day’s ticketed signings will be available at the Image Comics booth, beginning at the start of the convention day. Tickets are limited and are given out on a first-come-first-served basis. The signing schedule is subject to change. Ryan Ottley will be signing at the Skybound booth, just opposite of the Image booth.

Emerald City Comicon takes place on March 1-3 in the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle.